Mulji Jetha Fountain in Mumbai is set to open to public soon

The restoration of the Indo-Saracenic style fountain was not easy as it had been badly affected by vandalism.

Jun 19, 2017, 01.00 AM IST

The 120-year-old Mulji Jetha fountain at the intersection of Mint Road and P D'Mello Road

There's a new heritage wonder on the block and if you have passed by it at the intersection of Mint Road and P D'Mello Road on several occasions, you may soon want to stop and take a selfie near it! This 120-year-old Mulji Jetha Pyau or fountain, which once drew water from the now-underground well, is restored and it should be open to the public soon. "The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) has taken the initiative to restore old fountains and structures to preserve heritage culture and this is one of the parts of this project. We have already repaired Horniman Circle's
pyau
and Flora Fountain is in progress. This beautiful fountain went for repairs a year ago and we plan to unveil it to Mumbaikars in a fortnight or so," reveals Asst Commissioner, A-Ward, Kiran Dighavkar.

'It has 42 sculptures of animal heads'

Architect Vikas Dilawari who restored this fountain reveals the effort that went into doing so, "This is an Indo-Saracenic style fountain. It has 42 sculptures of animal heads with alligators, elephants, iguana and lions. The restoration was not easy as it had been badly affected by vandalism. Paint splatters on it had to removed and intricate parts such as the monument's elephant tusks and the damaged ends of the figures needed to be repaired. We used material like Porbandar stone and basalt so as to restore it to its original glory. The work entailed what we call 'dentistry repairs', as it had to be done on different parts. It was also quite painstaking as this fountain had not been functioning for a few decades." One hears there are plans to light it up. "Yes, there is a plan to illuminate it, provided vandalism is under control," he affirms.

Did you know?

Designed by FW Stevens (1892-93), the Mulji Jetha Fountain was built by a grieving father as a memorial after his 15-year-old son's demise.

At the lowest section of the fountain is a set of eight columns above a pool, which was used as a drinking trough for animals. There are also drinking-water fountains for humans in the structure. You will see small jets or spouts sculpted from elephants' trunks and lions' heads in it.

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